Captain Mike Powell stole the show at Edgbaston with an unbeaten century as Warwickshire sealed victory in the final over against Northants.

Powell was at the crease from start to finish, hitting 11 boundaries in a knock that revived Warwickshire's flagging hopes of qualifying for the next round of matches.

They must beat Glamorgan heavily on Monday and rely on results elsewhere going their way, but thanks to their skipper they are at least still in the hunt.

It was Powell's first one-day century from 51 attempts, and his third-wicket partnership of 89 with Ian Bell was a highlight of the innings.

The pair came together after the early loss of Nick Knight and subsequent departure of Shaun Pollock, run out for 21.

They guided Warwickshire from 82 for two to 171 for three when Bell was bowled by Graeme Swann for 56.

Return to form

It represented a welcome return to form for England hopeful Bell, whose early-season form had been conspicuous by its mediocrity.

The home side lost just Jamie Troughton after Bell's demise, but they left it late with only five balls to spare when victory was achieved.

Northants opener Mike Hussey earlier hit 86 but a batting collapse negated the captain's superb knock.

Hussey led the way with a 102-ball knock that boasted nine boundaries and deserved to evolve into triple figures.

He and Mal Loye shared in a 123-run stand after Swann was an early casualty and even when Loye departed for 57 Northants still looked on target for a big total.

But Warwickshire fought their way back into the game and took the final seven wickets for 47 runs to finish Northants off within 50 overs.

Hussey's departure with the score on 157 for three sparked a spell of dominance for Warwickshire.

A swift 19 from Ricky Anderson late in the innings did little to alleviate the situation as Pollock and company turned the screw.

Pollock was one of four bowlers to take two wickets, but the South African was outstanding in conceding just 18 runs in his 9.5 overs.

Warwickshire: N M K Smith, M J Powell (Capt), D R Brown, I R Bell, T L Penney, J O Troughton, S M Pollock, A F Giles, K J Piper (Wkt), N A Warren, A Richardson.

Northamptonshire: M E K Hussey (Capt), G P Swann, M B Loye, D J G Sales, R J Warren, A L Penberthy, J W Cook, T M B Bailey (Wkt), R S G Anderson, D M Cousins, C G Greenidge.

Umpires: K E Palmer and J F Steele